When you have a large collection of digital photographs, there likely comes a time when you want to add cool effects to images. These can range from wacky and fun to serious retouching. With these freeware and shareware downloads, you can apply a myriad of different effects to your images.
While many of these programs can apply effects to a single image, others can also perform batch photo editing and apply effects to many different types of images like JPG, PNG, GIF and even PSD Photoshop images.
If there is a tool here you find that isn't freeware, there is always the chance to take advantage of the free trial period.
FreeVimager is a free image viewer and editor. It can play AVI and audio files.
FreeVimager can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create PNG graphics, create slideshows and optimize graphics.
Free paint software for creative artists and amateurs with a number of drawing tools, image enhancements and effects for creating digital art.
Krita can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create web graphics and create and edit layers.
Professional photo organizer and editor.
ACDSee can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create slideshows and optimize graphics.
GIMP is an open-source and free Photoshop alternative (for Windows).
GIMP for Windows can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create animated GIFs, create PNG graphics, create web graphics and create and edit layers.
Very versatile photo viewer, digital image editing and archiving software.
CodedColor PhotoStudio Pro can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data and batch process images.
Photograph organization software the can apply effects, filters and editing tools along with EXIF tags and built-in photo viewer.
ACDSee 9 Photo Manager can apply special effects to a picture and convert RAW to JPG.
Photo editing and organization software that streamlines workflow with support for many RAW formats and camera setups.
ACDSee Pro can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data and convert RAW to JPG.
Advanced image viewing software with some editing functionality, EXIF support and fast slideshow generation.
JPEGView can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create PNG graphics and convert RAW to JPG.
Batch image renamer/resizer.
Image Tuner Batch Photo Resizer can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, optimize graphics, convert RAW to JPG and batch process images.
Powerful graphics editing software that integrates AI, HDR effects and a range of artistic filters and tools.
Corel Paint Shop Pro can add text to an image, apply special effects to a picture, create animated GIFs and create web graphics.
A fast, stable, user-friendly image browser, converter and editor.
FastStone Image Viewer can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create PNG graphics, create web graphics and convert RAW to JPG.
Photo retouching software with scrapbooks, collages, slideshows and social media integration.
Adobe Photoshop Elements can apply special effects to a picture, view EXIF data, create web graphics and optimize graphics.
FotoSketcher turns digital photos into drawings or paintings, for free!
FotoSketcher can apply special effects to a picture, create PNG graphics and optimize graphics.
An icon creator and editor with drop shadows, glow and bevel features.
Greenfish Icon Editor Pro can apply special effects to a picture, create PNG graphics, create web graphics, optimize graphics and batch process images.
Pinta image editor is a freeware paint program with code based on paint.NET.
Pinta can add text to an image and apply special effects to a picture.
Works with different types of camera RAW files and applies filters.
Able RAWer can apply special effects to a picture and convert RAW to JPG.